Social Networking and Interviewing

Very interesting article in the July 4 Chicago Tribune by Rex Huppke.  Have you ever checked out a prospective employee by doing a check of his/her Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.?  Wouldn’t you like to know if their on-line activity lends further credibility to their character or, conversely, if it shows them to be a blabbering fool who posts information and pictures lacking sound judgment and maturity?

What do you think?  Has anyone done this at their firm?  Was it helpful?  Is there a downside to doing this research?  I’d like to hear from you.

Incidentally, a July 5 Chicago Tribune article by Ted Gregory cites some additional info:

• Use of social networking sites like Facebook, among those 18 to 35 years old, rose from 65% in 2008 to 80% in 2010.
• Facebook ‘s largest demographic is those over age 35; “Facebook is looking more like the rest of the population as more older Americans create accounts,” says Gregory.

Gregory’s article profiles 3 young people who recently quit Facebook.   Their comments:

• “I don’t want to be bombarded by updates from people who are at best peripheral acquaintances.”
• “Overall, I have more time, which helps me focus on higher priorities.”  (Can you say “productivity?”)
• “People harp on Facebook making communication easier, but what they really need to ask is if what they are communicating actually matters.”

Anyone want to hire these 3 Facebook rebels?  The line forms outside the door.